Concerns and challenges around Ontario’s energy supply remain a top-of-mind issue with Ontario’s farmers as we gathered in Toronto last week for the annual general meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

It’s been a year since I was chosen to lead the Ontario Federation of Agriculture as its president, and as we prepare for our annual general meeting next week, it’s a good time to reflect on what’s been a busy 12 months in this new role.

Farmers from across Ontario will be coming to Toronto at the end of this month to hear updates on key issues affecting agriculture, debate resolutions and network with each other.

There are few things that Canadians talk about more than the weather, and that’s even more true of farmers. Whether it’s too wet or dry, too hot or cold, a late season frost or storms that bring damaging wind or hail – those of us who farm are focused on what happens outdoors.

Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse – producing more than 200 farm and food products, fuelling rural communities, generating nearly 750,000 jobs, and contributing more than $50 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP.

With the world becoming increasingly connected and digitized, cyber security is a growing concern. Criminals are targeting retailers, municipalities, healthcare providers and critical infrastructure – and as the agriculture sector increases its reliance on sensors, data collection and online connectivity, it is also becoming a target.

Several years ago, Transport Canada updated its safety standards for federally regulated railway crossings. A deadline of November 28, 2024 was set for all crossings to meet the new Grade Crossings Regulations.

Every year, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, our province marks Ontario Agriculture Week. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the important ongoing contribution Ontario farmers make to our society and our economy in producing food, feed, fuel and flowers.

Every year, farm fires result in tens of millions of dollars in losses to buildings, businesses and farm animals; and the financial losses don’t take into account the toll on farm families.

September 25 is Franco-Ontarian Day in our province. It’s a celebration of the cultural, historical, social, economic and political contributions of francophones in Ontario.